SPOKANE, Wash. – A post on the neighborhood social media app, Nextdoor, has sparked conversation about a backyard homeless encampment on 6th Avenue. The property owner, Rick Walters, claims to be running the encampment under an LLC called “Holy Ghost Housing.”
Neighbors have expressed concerns about the legality and disturbances caused by the encampment. One neighbor, wishing to remain anonymous, shared the challenges faced, “It’s so in your face. It’s hard not to start to harbor negative feelings about it.”
Others have noted frequent disturbances. “We have to pick up human waste, drug paraphernalia on the ground people trespassing people being aggressive with us,” one neighbor said.
Rick Walters, the owner of the three-bedroom home, recently converted it into a homeless shelter. He acknowledged the legal limitations, stating, “I was not aware that there was a code enforcement that you can’t have a tent in your backyard for more than 14 days.”
According to Spokane Municipal Code, temporary shelters like tents cannot be occupied on private property for more than 14 days in a consecutive 12-month period. City Hall leaders have confirmed that this address is part of an active case with code enforcement.
Walters emphasized his intentions, “I’m looking to do the best I can to make sure that we’re both compliant with the city as well as being a good neighbor to the community.”
One neighbor provided a written statement about ongoing concerns, “Our backyard camera captures daily the instances of his campers trespassing, using and selling drugs and using the backyard as a toilet.”
Walters stated he started the project about three weeks ago in an effort to address Spokane’s housing crisis. Neighbors, however, are calling for legal compliance and proper notice. “So, I think the proper notice for the neighbors is needed,” one neighbor said.
The situation has drawn attention to the broader issue of homelessness in Spokane, with Walters expressing his hope to contribute positively.
